Cornish Coastlines & the Eden Project

This morning, we board the coach and head to the outskirts of St Austell where we find the world-famous Eden Project. We have the whole day to explore one of the most famous garden redevelopments in the UK, if not the world. The idea began in 1996 and came to fruition in 1998 when construction began. The clay pit on which the project was in use for some 160 years before it was completely exhausted. After lengthily construction the visitor centre at the site first opened to the public in May 2000 with the full site joining in early 2001. The project was the brainchild of Tim Smit with a focus on environmental education and the delicate relationships between plants and people. We have the day to meander the paths ways, explore the two biomes, planted landscapes which include a vegetable garden as well as a variety of sculptures. At the end of the day, we return to our hotel for the evening and dinner.

Breakfast is at leisure this morning; we then head out to the quaint fishing town of Padstow nestled on the northern coastline of Cornwall along the estuary of the river Camel. We have some time to explore the picturesque harbour lined with bobbing fishing boats and miniature yachts. The area was made even more famous in recent times when it featured as a filming location on the hit television series Poldark.

After lunch perhaps in Rick Steins restaurant (not included) we head to Cornwall’s southern coast to Charlestown on the outskirts of St Austell where we can enjoy an afternoon wander around the unspoiled original Grade II listed harbour, a lovely example of a Georgian working port. This delightful little port has made feature appearances on many television series including again Poldark, Hornblower and Mansfield Park. Later we return to the hotel for dinner and the rest of the evening at leisure.

Today you may choose to join the full day optional excursion to Penzance and St Ives. Penzance which is derived for the Cornish meaning holy headland as a small chapel once stood overlooking the harbour to the west more than 1,000 years ago. There is a myriad of historical buildings to explore down the narrow laneways and many small galleries to discover.

This afternoon we depart to St Ives on the northern Cornish coast, wander the jumble of cottage lined streets affectionately referred to as ‘the warren’ or take one of the winding coastal paths for spectacular views across the rooftops and the glittering harbour beyond. If you wish to learn a little more about this charming fishing port perhaps head to the St Ives Museum which contains some fascinating insights into the towns past. In the later afternoon we head back to our hotel.

Alternatively spend the day at your leisure exploring Newquay.

After breakfast we will return to our original joining points.